A weird play in the fifth inning of yesterday’s 3-1 Mets win over the Phillies nearly resulted in a postgame controversy but seemed to be one big misunderstanding.

Jamie Moyer was at the plate and lost control of his bat on a swing. The bat flew toward first base where Carlos Delgado picked it up and threw it back toward Moyer. Delgado was laughing when he did it and it seemed to be playful.

After the game, a reporter told Delgado that Moyer had taken exception to his actions.

“Who gives a (hoot)?” Delgado said. “It was totally harmless. I thought it was funny and I thought maybe he was a little embarrassed.”

As it turns out, Moyer said his problem was not with Delgado.

“I had no issues (with Delgado),” Moyer said. “(The Mets) broadcasters probably tried to create that, from what I was told.”

SNY broadcaster Kevin Burkhardt said on air it seemed like Moyer did not like what Delgado did. Gary Cohen and Ron Darling did not make a big deal about it.

Moyer, who gave up two hits in seven innings, was on the mound at the time, so the comments may have been relayed to him by a teammate in the clubhouse.

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With Pedro Martinez in the Dominican Republic grieving the death of his father, the Mets needed to call up a starting pitcher for tomorrow’s game with St. Louis. Brandon Knight got the call. The 32-year-old former Yankee is 5-1 with a 1.60 ERA for Triple-A New Orleans. Jerry Manuel said he is not sure how long Martinez will be away from the team for.

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After getting a second opinion, Angel Pagan has opted to have season-ending surgery Tuesday on the torn labrum in his left shoulder. Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek will perform the surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

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Mets starters have gone at least seven innings in the last four games – the first time since August 2005, according to Elias Sports Bureau.